How Prior Authorization Services Increase Patient Access

Getting medical care isn’t always as simple as scheduling an appointment. Many treatments, procedures, and medications need prior authorization from the insurance company. Without it, patients can’t get the care they need without worrying about surprise bills. This process can lead to extra paperwork and calls, frustrating staff and patients.

Patients may wait days or weeks for approval. Some may give up and skip treatment altogether. Meanwhile, staff may spend hours on hold with insurance companies instead of helping patients. Prior authorization services solve this problem by focusing on it exclusively. Because the outsourced team isn’t bogged down with other tasks, they can move with greater speed. This ensures patients receive care without delays.

Why Prior Authorization Delays Care

For both patients and providers, prior authorizations can feel like a roadblock. A doctor recommends a treatment, but the patient can’t move forward without approval. The result? More waiting, more stress, and sometimes, worse health outcomes.

Common problems include:

Too much paperwork. Staff waste hours on forms and chasing insurers instead of focusing on patients.
Denied requests. Missing info or minor errors can lead insurance companies to reject requests. Sometimes, they simply disagree with the doctor’s orders and deny prior authorization. Denials for any reason can result in lengthy appeals.
Delays in treatment. The longer it takes to get approval, the longer patients wait for the care they need.

For many practices, handling prior authorizations in-house isn’t practical. It takes too much time, creates extra stress, and pulls staff away from other duties. Outsourcing prior authorization services removes these barriers. This helps patients get faster approvals and better access to care.

How Outsourcing Prior Authorization Services Increase Patient Access

Outsourcing means working with pros who handle prior authorization services full-time. They know how to submit requests quickly, avoid errors, and push approvals through faster. Here’s how that improves patient access:

Faster Approvals, Faster Care

When experts focus solely on prior authorizations, they aren’t distracted by other tasks. This helps speed up approvals. Instead of waiting weeks, patients get their treatment or medication sooner.

Less Work for Your Staff

Handling prior authorizations takes time—time your team could spend with patients. By outsourcing, your staff won’t have to spend hours filling out forms and following up with insurance companies. This means fewer distractions and more focus on patient care.

Fewer Delays in Treatment

Denied authorizations can throw off treatment plans. Patients may have to reschedule tests or procedures, which can lead to health complications. Outsourced teams can diligently work the appeals process, helping care plans get approved faster.

A Better Patient Experience

Patients don’t see the paperwork behind the scenes, but they feel the impact of slow approvals. When prior authorizations happen faster, patients experience fewer delays and less frustration. A smoother process builds trust and improves patient satisfaction.

A Smarter Way to Manage Prior Authorizations

Prior authorization delays can stand in the way of good patient care. Outsourcing this process ensures faster approvals, fewer mistakes, and less stress for both patients and staff. Additionally, it gives you access to trained associates while avoiding the extra overhead of hiring and training in-house staff. Your practice saves money (and headaches) while ensuring that approvals happen quickly and correctly.

Oclinicals provides prior authorization services that take the burden off your team. We’ll handle everything, from managing approvals to hiring and training team members, so you don’t have to.